Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission for the appropriation of grant and matching funds for the 2016 Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Round 11 project-Big Walnut Creek Preservation/Stygler Road.
Background: The Department applied for grant funding in March of 2016 to acquire by fee simple 5.5 acres of greenway corridor along the main stem of Big Walnut Creek on the city’s northeast side. The site is adjacent to a CRPD natural area (Virginia Terrace) and across the stream from Gahanna city parklands. The acquisition includes 500 l.f. of stream corridor.
In June of 2016 the Department received notice that the project was funded in the amount of $197,000.00 with a City Funding Match of $87,300.00. The City match will come from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Public Works Commission
65 East State Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to enter into said grant agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission and to fulfill the schedule required by the granting authority.
Benefits to the Public: Protection of riparian corridors is a key component of neighborhood area plans. Support was received by the local neighborhood, the City of Gahanna, and Otterbein University. The river is rated as one of the region’s highest water quality streams. Greenways are a significant component of the city’s health and wellness, diversity, social equity and conservation initiatives.
Area(s) Affected:
Northeast Area (Big Walnut Creek) Planning Area 12
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenways corridors. Provide safe connections for nearby neighborhoods to the regional trail network. Improv...
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